Every year, Google adds new privacy and security features to Android smartphones and tablets. It has started rolling out a new feature that is meant to reduce phone theft by locking a phone that has been snatched. This makes the phone unusable for the snatcher and increases the user's data privacy and security if it gets snatched.
Theft Detection feature for Android could reduce phone snatches
Google has started rolling out the Theft Detection feature to Android smartphones in Brazil (spotted by Mishaal Rahman). This feature was announced in May 2024 and has already started rolling out. It uses the phone's accelerometer and Google's AI algorithms to check for signs of phone snatching. If the phone's sudden movements make it seem like it has been snatched from the user, the device locks itself so that the snatcher can't access the data stored on the phone.
Moreover, if the snatcher tries to disconnect your phone for a long period of time, the Offline Device Lock feature automatically locks your phone's screen so that your data stays safe even when the phone isn't connected to the internet. These features will be available on all Android devices running Android 10 (or newer).
The company is adding some extra features to offer you peace of mind if your phone gets snatched. Even if a thief resets the phone, they won't be able to set it up again without knowing your Google account credentials. You can use the Private Space to store sensitive files and hide them using a separate PIN, which adds an extra layer of security in case your phone gets snatched or stolen.
Moreover, if a thief tries to disable the Find My Device feature on your Android smartphone or tablet, they would need your PIN, password, or fingerprint. If they know your PIN and try to change it, disable theft protection, or steal your passkeys, they will require your biometrics.
If you want to use Find My Device to track the location of your stolen phone but don't remember your Google account's password, you can just use your phone number and pass a security challenge to access Remote Device Lock and Full Factory Reset options faster. The Find My Device feature requires a phone running Android 5 (or newer).
Image Credits: Mishaal Rahman
